Expands on Play (E2.3.11)

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Sub Category: Development Through Play
Credential Level: Level 1 • Age Group: Infant, Toddler, Pre-K

COMPETENCY STATEMENT

Expands on play initiated by children to reinforce language, ideas, and social development

DEFINITIONS

The teacher participates in child-directed play, which includes activities initiated by children based on their interests. The teacher can follow a child's interest by verbalizing support, offering ideas and suggestions, and using language to add meaning to their play.

EXAMPLES

Expands on Play
Age Group: Pre-K

This video shows a teacher joining the construction center and expands on their play by reinforcing new vocabulary.

Expands on Play
Age Group: Pre-K

In this exemplar video, a teacher is sitting near the child and joining in their play. Notice how the teacher asks questions, describes what’s happening, and builds on the child’s ideas—an example of supporting language, thinking, and social skills through child-led play.

Expands on Play
Age Group: Pre-K

In this exemplar video, a teacher asks the child questions and builds on their interests. Notice how the teacher uses different types of questions to help the child share more—an example of engaging in playful activities throughout the day.

Expands on Play
Age Group: Pre-K

In this exemplar video, a teacher asks the child what they are doing and joins their play. Notice how the teacher uses questions and conversation to build on the child’s ideas—an example of expanding on play initiated by children to reinforce language, ideas, and social development.

Expands on Play
Age Group: Toddler

In this exemplar video, a teacher works with the child to discuss their own interest and further elaborates child’s likes and supporting new concepts. Notice how the teacher uses the child’s likes to support new concepts and elaborate on discussions. –an example of supporting ones own likes and interests, helps maintain engagement with the child and introducing new concepts.

Making Choices
Age Group: Infant

In this exemplar video, a teacher engages with an infant by observing and responding to the child’s play with a toy. Notice how the teacher asks questions, models how to use the toy, and follows the child’s lead—an example of expanding on play initiated by the child to support language development, curiosity, and social interaction.

WAYS TO PRACTICE

New Content on the Way: We are in the process of curating and developing resources for this section. Resources will be available shortly. Stay tuned for updates!